Conference motions

UNISON national disabled member’s conference recognised the abuse of disabled person parking needs to be highlighted and to be tackled. It is often the case that disabled drivers are unable to find parking facilities either at their home at a retail outlet or at their workplace. In many instances the reason for this is non […]

Conference is concerned that in the current recession disabled staff will be at a higher risk of job loss due to the need for organisations to reduce staffing levels. In the current economic downturn more and more organisations are looking to make efficiencies and this has resulted in a number of job losses. Due to […]

Conference notes that, despite the implementation of Disability Leave, employers are still failing to actively introduce disability leave as part of the employment sickness policy. Many disabled people are discriminated against whilst taking leave, due to their disability increasing the number of days of sick leave taken, which has resulted in members being dismissed from […]

Conference is concerned that Access to Work (ATW), a valuable resource available to disabled members is not well publicised or where information is available this is often incomplete or misunderstood. ATW allows disabled staff and newly disabled staff to receive appropriate levels of funding in the process of securing a job, and in providing equitable […]

Conference notes that over the past decade or so the position of disabled people in the employment field has improved. However, we also note, and it is of major concern, that in spite of various initiatives eg the Disability Discrimination Act and its amendment, the former disability Rights Commission, New Deal for Disabled People etc, […]

The Committee’s constitution was written many years ago when UNISON was a new concept and structures were not set in place as they are today. Back in 1993 disabled self organisation like other self organised groups were finding their feet and constructed a constitution that does not reflect the current structures in 2009. Over the […]

West Midlands Region is very concerned that members have to take Annual Leave to cover a phased return to work or attend medical appointments or treatment sessions. We therefore ask this Conference to call upon the National Disabled Members Committee (NDMC) to work with the National Executive Council (NEC) & Labourlink to lobby Parliament to […]

Conference agrees that the introduction of the annual Winter Fuel Allowance for all people aged sixty and over in the United Kingdom has been one of the most successful social developments in recent history. UNISON has always been at the forefront when campaigning for social justice and dignity for those, who through no fault of […]

Over the last few years the department of Work and Pensions have started making big changes to policies and procedures that help disabled people gain and then keep employment. Who qualifies for this help from the various projects is no longer a question of whether you are a disabled person or not, but also what […]

This Conference is concerned that the recession is having a disproportionately large impact on disabled workers. Unemployment is predicted to increase to almost three million by 2010 and disabled workers are particularly at risk when unemployment rises. Increased unemployment for disabled workers can lead to social divide, increase the prospect of discrimination due to unfair […]

There are a number of schemes in place which many Employers sign up to that would, if followed, be of great advantage to disabled workers. For these schemes to work effectively, it is essential that disabled workers must be allowed to self nominate and work in partnership with the Employers and scheme organisers to ensure […]

Conference notes that a recent report entitled ‘Promoting Safety and Security of Disabled People’ published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission showed that disabled people are at greater risk of being victims of targeted violence and hostility. The report stated that disabled people are four times more likely to be a victim of crime, […]

Conference notes that UNISON has been represented on the National Advisory Group for the Review of Age Discrimination in Health and Social Care which is due to report to the Secretary of State for Health in October 2009. Conference further notes that the Review’s objectives are to recommend: i.The timetable by which health and adult […]

Conference notes that around 20,000 pensioners die every year from cold-related illnesses, with 90% of excess winter deaths affecting the over 65s. To help combat this, 2.9 million pensioners receive winter fuel payments, currently worth £250 for over 60s or £400 for over 80s. Conference will be aware that UNISON believes the current winter fuel […]

A report “One Voice: Shaping Our Ageing Society” was launched on 7 April by Age Concern and Help the Aged to mark the formation of their new charity. The report examined the issues facing older people in the UK, such as poverty, age discrimination, isolation and lack of care and support. The report claims that […]